I almost pitched this blazer during my epic closet cleanse earlier this year. I have had it in there for years! Had it been any other blazer, it probably would have been gone a long time ago. But the fact that it has a Burberry label on it, I admit, had me hesitate saying good-bye.
After a small stint in the corporate world, I often still think of a traditional blazer as work attire. A suit jacket meant for the office. A unisex clothing item that hangs in both a woman’s and man’s closet! Something that is stuck in the era of the 80’s with oversized shoulder pads! That is why my go to blazer style jacket is usually a longer version. You have seen this navy blazer featured a bunch! With a longer style like this, I never worry about whether it will come off looking like a business blazer.
So then why bother keeping a traditional blazer in the closet? While I had to reacquaint myself with how best to style a blazer out of an office setting, I do think if worn with the right pieces, it really can be an item staple in everyone’s wardrobe! In other words, I found a way to save my Burberry blazer!
What to Wear with a Blazer
The goal here is to style a blazer so it does not look like a suit jacket. So just as important as what to wear with a blazer, it is equally important as to what not to wear with it.
I think it is best to avoid wearing a button down or collared shirt with a blazer. I would opt for a v-neck style versus a turtleneck or crewneck to layer underneath one. And unless you want to wear a blazer as part of a suit, I would avoid wearing the same color on the bottom.
Instead, keep it semi-formal and wear tailored shorts with a silk cami and a classic light colored blazer. Wear a blazer with a sweatshirt to achieve a relaxed look, or match it with a pair of skinny jeans and a graphic tee for a more casual style. Embrace Parisian chic with a classic navy blue blazer and striped tee. Add a blazer to feminine maxi dress!
Here are the pieces I love to style a traditional blazer with:
Basic Tee
Pairing your blazer with a white v-neck, band tee, graphic tee or any tee with a raw hem or exposed seam are all options I love. Accessorize with layers of gold necklaces.
Denim
Nothing says out of the corporate office like a pair of denim! I love a blazer with jeans! I think ones that have some distressing or are all white work best.
Bodysuit
I am really, really getting into bodysuits (comfortable ones of course!). They are a chic addition underneath a blazer! (Note: if you are committed to buying one, Wolford are the best reviewed!)
Joggers
Juxtaposing two contrasting clothing items into an outfit absolutely works. Taking a pair of casual joggers and pairing it with a structured blazer is a new favorite look of mine!
Maxi Dress
Again, another juxtaposition of two pieces. Throw on a tailored blazer over a feminine dress or drape one over your shoulders. Even try belting the blazer with a Gucci logo belt.
When Do You Wear a Blazer?
Truly a blazer can be styled and worn with just about anything. I still love the idea of a blazer as part of a power suit for the office or for a city outing. My goal was to style it for more casual occasions though. I love it as an option for travel or as a light jacket thrown over a dress.
Blazer Outfit Ideas
I am linking a video I created last week and posted to my Instagram account. In this video, I am sharing three ways I am currently styling a blazer with some of the pieces I suggested above! I have linked it via Instagram and Facebook so if you cannot view it with either of those, please let me know. I may create a YouTube channel in the future! After viewing the video, you can find products or similar products featured, linked under each look!
Denim, White Tee, Layered Gold Necklaces and Sneakers
Denim, Bodysuit, Bucket Bag and Ankle Boots
Joggers, Hooded Sweatshirt, Canvas Tote and Sneakers
You might also like… How to Minimize Your Wardrobe and Create a Capsule Wardrobe, Capsule Wardrobe Key Pieces: Additional Items, and Creating a Navy Capsule Wardrobe.
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M